Less than a year after arriving at Ohio State as a heralded freshman, Mike Mitchell is heading home. According to 247Sports.com reporter Taylor Hamm, the Plano, Texas, product has decided to transfer to Texas Tech:

Breaking: Mike Mitchell has committed to Texas Tech. He's currently in Lubbock #RedRaiders

The 6'3", 222-pound linebacker left the Buckeyes' football program in February to seek opportunities elsewhere after the spring semester.

At the time, Eleven Warriors writer Kyle Rowland reported that his father's health played a factor in the decision.

After weighing multiple options in the Lone Star State, Mitchell is the newest Red Raider.

His choice caps off a stunning turn of events for a recruit whom many expected to make an immediate impact in Columbus. Rated No. 5 nationally among outside linebackers and No. 58 overall as a prospect at Prestonwood Christian Academy, Mitchell was a marquee member of Urban Meyer's 2013 class.

He registered 337 total tackles and 22 sacks during his junior and senior high school seasons, securing scholarship offers from more than 20 teams.

Mitchell committed to Ohio State over Oregon and Texas A&M in front of a national television audience at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

On Friday, with far less fanfare, he officially moved on from the Buckeyes following a redshirt season.

Credit: 247Sports

Mitchell pledged to the Buckeyes on national TV in January 2013.

Texas Tech offers Mitchell an opportunity to push the reboot button on his collegiate career, just a few hours away from his hometown. Luke Zimmerman of Land-Grant Holy Land suggests that he also considered Baylor and Texas A&M (again).

It remains to be seen whether Mitchell will be receive a waiver and be ruled eligible for the 2014 season, but standard transfer rules require players to sit for a full season before returning to game action.

What are your expectations for LB Mike Mitchell at Texas Tech?

He will start immediately when eligible and live up to past recruiting hype.He will emerge as a starter after spending some time on the sideline.He will serve as a quality reserve on the depth chart.Submit Votevote to see results

What are your expectations for LB Mike Mitchell at Texas Tech?

He will start immediately when eligible and live up to past recruiting hype.

69.7%

He will emerge as a starter after spending some time on the sideline.

23.2%

He will serve as a quality reserve on the depth chart.

7.0%

Total votes: 2,856

Texas Tech has already assembled a solid 2015 recruiting class, which is currently rated 26th nationally in 247Sports' composite team rankings. Much-needed defensive help anchors the group.